The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Familiar lullabies are given a twist by McMullan (Hey, Pipsqueak!, 1995, etc.) in a work that serves as a missing link between board books and more lavish picture books. A bunny, a bear cub, a kitten, a duckling, and a puppy are given a few pages each to be gathered in by their mothers as the day comes to a close, then sung to sleep. Bear whuffles a ``Sleep, Baby, Sleep'' variation, Rabbit warbles her version of ``Hush, Little Baby,'' and so on. It's all very sweet: ``Dearest duckling, close your eyes, crickets chirp your lullabies'' to the tune of ``Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'' and ``Dream time, my kitten'' to the melody of ``Rock-a-Bye Baby.'' McPhail adds notes of suspense with bolts of lightning and sickle moons. The book begins with ``If you were my bunny and I were your mama, I'd pick you out from all the other bunnies and nestle you beside me''; fittingly, therefore, the volume is dedicated in part to ``M.W.B.'' (Picture book. 2-4)

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